Testimonials
“Extremely inspiring and professional. We have worked with many 'writers' over the years but few, if any, have been so flexible and at ease with our students.” Della Bartram, Head of English, Murray Park School, Derby
“Rob is a joy to work with. His enthusiasm and energy are infectious. He is able to tailor the workshops according to the needs of the students and always ensures both students and staff know what the outcomes will be. Rob’s
unfaltering warmth and sincerity means he is able to connect with the students he works with. He has inspired sullen sixth from students to produce excellent poetry for their AS English Language coursework, motivated naughty year 9s
into participating positively in the workshops and coaxed the less confident students into joining in and performing in front of their peers. I have no hesitation in
recommending him to any school or organisation that works with young people. Rob believes that performance poetry can be
enjoyed by anyone. I’m sure the hundreds of Birmingham children and teachers he has worked with would agree.”
C Stoneman, Collegiate Advanced Skills Teacher, Birmingham
“The outcomes were great ... some children who do not normally find the arts as accessible as others seemed to blossom with the work and there have been noticeable developments in terms of their developed confidence and attainment in class ... I was extremely pleased with the commitment and enthusiasm that Rob put into the
work in terms of planning and reviewing each session as well as in terms of the delivery of the workshops. I found him a resourceful, committed, knowledgeable artist and would definitely work with him again.”
S Heselton, Arts Development Officer, Standards & Effectiveness Division, Leicester City Council
“The workshop was excellent. Young people and children were fully engaged and inspired. Worked brilliantly with children and young people, who can be demanding. Worked at their pace and on their ideas. Helped defuse what could have been seen as awkward situations and handled them brilliantly. We would love to work with Rob again.”
Children and Youth Project Team, Contact Project, Leicester
“Rob Gee relates well to young people and encourages them to write in a way that makes sense to them, rather than imposing his own ideas upon them. I would warmly recommend Rob to anyone wanting a school workshop that concentrates on exploring language in a fun and inventive way."
Sarah Butler, Literature Development Officer, Leicester City Council
The atmosphere was very supportive and welcoming. I love to make this an annual event”
M Arthur, Librarian, Rawlins Community College, Leicestershire
“Their ability to quickly build a rapport with the students has to be recommended. Rob and Ben's infectious enthusiasm inspired everyone to take part and perform their poem to the rest of the class.”
J Webster, Librarian, Burleigh Community College, Loughborough
“Very flexible, fun to work with and at all times professional.”
J Marlowe, Arts Development Officer, Rawlins Community College, Leicestershire
“Fast-paced, interactive and genuinely entertaining”
N Gossage, Deputy Head of English, Judgemeadow Community College, Leicester
“There was very strong engagement with students and material, and the success of this was evident in the quality of work produced”
D Coutts, English & Media teacher, Rawlins Community College, Leicestershire
“Entertaining, engaging and related well to the pupils. They enjoyed his workshops and by the end of the session were certainly aware that poetry need not be dull and boring.”
M Hawkins, Head of English, Redmoor High School, Hinckley
"The children thoroughly enjoyed these sessions. It has been a great experience.”
R Bowron, Teacher, Oakway Junior School, Wellingborough
“Throughout my work with (Rob and Ben) I have been impressed with their professionalism, enthusiasm, reliability and commitment. Their unconventional approach (gives) them an added edge when working with teenagers.” Naomi Wilds, Literature Development Officer, Derby City Council
“A fun, enjoyable and productive workshop!” D Edwards, Teacher, Bosworth College, Leicester
“A fantastic day ... such a wide range of activities were covered in a very short amount of time. The momentum was fantastic. The session was tailored to exactly what we wanted and the theme of healthy eating
was incorporated into the sketch activities extremely well. I’ve already had pupils come up and tell me how much they enjoyed the activity and quite a few have asked when you’ll be coming back. I quote – “Sir, that’s the best science lesson we’ve ever had!”” J Weighall, LRC Manager, Yardleys School, Birmingham
“Particularly beneficial for certain children with literacy/writing difficulties ... surprised at all children reading/performing as some are usually reticent to do this ... the initial poem you performed was brilliant – the
children were completely spellbound!” Teacher, Danemill School, Leicestershire
“Really managed to engage the students. Managed to keep them focussed and on task – more of the same!”
Head of English, Judgemeadow Community College, Leicester
"The kids really enjoyed themselves (and the staff did too). It's been great to have you along and really valuable to know that you can rock up and just roll with whatever arrangements I throw at you!” M Styles, English Teacher, Judgemeadow Community College, Leicester
“Rob taught (the children) not only drama and comedy techniques but also team work, responsibility and methods to resolve differences. His own enthusiasm for the work was boundless and they really responded. The journey the children took was very flexible and organic and showed how Rob could easily adapt to the needs of his audience. He got terrific results and progress, particularly from those children who initially found the work challenging, as he was able to improve their confidence and self esteem. He also motivated the members of staff he worked with through close teamwork and provided limitless resources and ideas which could be used within the school setting in times to come. Rob's skills with teaching, motivating and empowering the children ensured not only a fantastic final film, but also gave them knowledge and skills which they will all use in the future.” John Patching, Deputy Head Teacher, Orchard Primary School, Castle Donington
“The event was excellent! The students certainly got a lot of educational value from it. It gave them a sense of occasion, combined with a relaxed but clear structure. They enjoyed working with their friends to create a presentation. The teachers enjoyed evaluating the work but it was overall more supportive than competitive. It
helped greatly that Rob could perform poetry to a high standard, which led the way. The event became the focus of a display on the school's plasma screen.” Michael Lane, Teacher, Rushey Mead Secondary School, Leicester
“You were unanimously the best part of the day for Small Heath pupils! I hope we can work with you again in the future.” Evans, Librarian, Small Heath School, Birmingham
“The Kids loved it … fantastic outcomes!” G MCarthy, Teacher, Martin Shaw Primary School, Leicester
“Excellent and just the job! My one regret is that you didn’t get to do more poetry ...”
Mike Preston, Arts & Sports Programme Manager, Regeneration East Midlands
“Very happy with the workshop – the students enjoyed it immensely!”
M Williams, GTP, Judgemeadow Community College, Leicester
“Thanks so much – the students really enjoyed the workshops and we loved reading the poems!”
N Punshon, English Teacher, Robert Smythe School, Market Harborough
“Mrs Gee – your son is brilliant!” Michael Rosen
ROB GEE
